Victim had no valid license

An Ashby firefighter who was killed in a crash Sunday morning along with her 16-year-old firefighter son did not have a valid driver’s license, according to the state’s Registry of Motor Vehicles.

Firefighter Michelle “Shelli” B. Martens, 36, was a single mother of two and a third-generation volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician for the Ashby Fire Department. Her Kia Sportage crossed into the path of a pickup truck and crashed around 10:30 a.m. Sunday, killing her and her son, Ashby Firefighter Justin J. Fournier. The crash occurred near 1191 Ashby Road (Route 31) in Fitchburg

Ms. Martens’ license had been suspended since Sept. 9 for failing to pay a citation issued on June 25 in Fitchburg for a right-of-way intersection violation, according to the RMV.

Additionally, her license was in a non-renewal status for outstanding E-ZPass fines and parking tickets in Somerville, the registry said.

Her son did hold a valid Class D permit, which was issued in September, according to the RMV.

However, according to RMV rules, Class D operators must be accompanied by a licensed driver who occupies the passenger seat next to them, is at least 21, holds a valid driver’s license from Massachusetts or another state and has at least one year of driving experience.

A spokesman for Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. said Tuesday night investigators have not yet determined who was driving at the time of the crash.

Ashby Fire Chief William T. Seymour Jr. said the Fire Department requires firefighters to have a driver’s license, but it is not routinely checked.

The driver of the Chevrolet Silverado pickup the Kia collided with has also served as on the Ashby Fire Department, for 15 years. Wayne F. Patenaude, 54, from Ashby, was in stable condition Tuesday night at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, according to a nurse manager.

Firefighters said his right heel was crushed in the crash and his arm was also injured.